PLANS for a new church hall in the heart of an East Lancashire town have been approved -- even though neighbours had objected.

But now a former Mayor of Hyndburn has appealed for action to be taken to sort out traffic problems on New Lane, Oswaldtwistle, where the new parish hall for Immanuel Church is to be constructed.

Residents had objected to the scheme because they claimed it would lead to an increased number of people using New Lane.

They also claimed it would cause traffic problems because the parish hall will be built across part of a car park, reducing the number of off-road parking spaces on the street.

Speaking at a meeting of the development services committee, Coun Doug Hayes said the problem lay with the fact New Lane was now being used as a rat-run from the M65 at Haslingden.

He said: "Immanuel Church is a popular church and it is good to see it being so well-used but the residents do have legitimate concerns.

"At the moment, New Lane is being used as a dangerous rat-run by lorries coming off the M65 and the residents are concerned that parking more cars on the main road will create even more problems.

"We need action. It is very dangerous."

Councillors backed the plan for the new parish hall at the meeting.

The traffic problem on New Lane is set to be brought up at a meeting of Oswaldtwistle Area Council due to be held on Tuesday evening at Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre.